Texas Tornados, On Late Night With David Letterman, December 18th, 1990

[@daytrippeur]

Letterman loved them and knew full-well who they were and what they were about, and not being disrespectful or ignorant. He was just having fun with them, they knew it and loved it, too. Letterman did more to promote the Outlaw Country and Americana music genres than any show. I miss that show. And... Texas Tornados forever!

[@skoolhausrawks9439]

Well said. And to add to Letterman's musical acumen, he was willing to book the damn-near unbookable. My only Letterman complaint musically is that there was no Metal. Lemmy don't count, it ya know his quote about that. 😎🤘

[@EricGordon-j2s]

Man making dinner drinking a beer having a smoke and jamming with Texas tornados don't get no better than this

[@ericgordon8794]

Man that bass player is having the time of his life. He's sitting around right now telling his grandkids about it. With a big old smile on his face.

[@Alefl75]

Texas Tornados one of my all time favorites, and to top it off I loved seeing Paul Shaffer so into it, that man lives for music and it shows.

[@douglasshead3706]

There will never be another group that can match the style of music Texas Tornadoes played.Put on a Texas Tornado DVD Live at Austin City Limits and let the party begin. it will bring a dull party to life with the first sing. Sure miss them.

[@carlosdeanda9150]

I agree with you I am from Monterrey Mexico and I am a fan of them I have 31 I did not know them more than in videos I put their songs at full volume that environment put the truth large group

[@36100tejas]

Grew up listening to the Texas Tornadoes with my grandpa Joe in Corpus Christi TX. Been thinking about him a lot lately. I love the memories these songs give me. Miss you grandpa. Tell Freddie and Doug we are still jamming their hits and the memory lives on.

[@stevenmartinez8208]

Orale..same here..reminds me of da good ol days on Mcgee Beach in da 80s with my sis ND Parents..!! Stay safe my friend!!

[@ThePantruca]

I just love " Tex Mex" music and particularly Flaco Jimenes acordeon ! the guy is a Genious on the accordeon Great video.

[@lastrada52]

That freakin Flaco certainly had one big original sound spilling from that accordion. Absolutely magical. The whole band was terrific. Doug Sahm was in an excellent voice that night. Sometimes I thought Letterman didn't realize what greatness he had on his stage. Schaffer did. Let the band have their showcase and shut up.

[@loydmac]

I was 18 years old and happen to be watching Letterman that night and saw the TT performance. If it hadn't been for that episode, I likely would never have heard of the Texas Tornadoes, or Doug Sahm, or Augie Meyers, or Flaco Jimenez, or reintroduced to Freddy Fender. I'm so glad I happen to be watching that night. I've been looking for this video on KZbin for a long time and glad to finally see it here. Thanks for posting it!

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Well nine years later on your comment and it’s still not too late for greatness. I was 21, and it took me a few years after to figure out how it all fit together.

[@ericgordon8794]

My older brother gave me a little black and white tv. I used to hide in my closet and pull the cord under the door and watch late night with Letterman. Man when I saw these guys it was unreal open a whole new world for me.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

@@ericgordon8794 Cool story. Kids now can’t fathom a B&W TV. Same with us and our Dad’s Crystal radios.

[@ericgordon8794]

@@Patrick_B687-3 yeah man you're right. I was about 11 a years old I think and my mother would get so mad when she would catch me. Up way past my bedtime. Good old days.

[@ericgordon4064]

@@Patrick_B687-3 I stole a bunch of my dad's albums 33s played them on his console zenith when he wasn't home

[@annlabombard2582]

Love the Tornadoes. I have most of their albums! Doug, and Freddy are gone, but their music will live on. R.I.P.

[@FatherCoughlin]

Saw them like 20 times on the West Coast over the years....what a sound....spiritual experience....sure miss Sir Douglas and Freddie......cant believe its been 15 years since Doug died

[@captainpetefarrell1]

saw them around this time at the lone star roadhouse midtown manhattan. they were great. Love Doug and all of them. Legends.

[@Builder99]

Wow that Boy could sing and dance...Doug and Freddy gone is heart breaking...What a great band...Paul should keep the hat he plays better...

[@billhughes3066]

I remember this episode .I lived in low Fresno Texas .my best friends dad grew up with Freddy fender. miss the Texas tornadoes

[@mastere6590]

Puro Tejano ! Shoutout out from Texas I love me some Texas Tornados

[@53etienne]

Awesome! I surely wish I had been paying more attention to this kind of music at the time! These guys were an underrated super group that should have been much more famous than they were. RIP Doug and Freddie.

[@lupitah1012]

Is Beautiful & nice Grup The Txas Tornado 👍🧔🏻🎹 Fredy Fder , Flaquito & The Francisco Santana , úfffff!! 👍👍🇲🇽👱‍♀️🇺🇸⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@37BopCity]

Those four guys were musical brothers whose backgrounds and lives were so close and unique that we'll never see their likes again. I never get tired of hearing and seeing them play, and I only regret I never got to see them live.

[@michellevaughan3564]

R.I.P.. Doug S. Love you (2019)

[@ubavecmamin]

We in Macedonia love Tex-Mex and T.Tornadoes!!

[@EricGordon-j2s]

Can you imagine being in a band Freddy Fender is second fiddle come on man Doug Sahm go on get it son

[@mrzeegrr]

They are rippin' up Heaven's dancefloor, are Doug and Freddie. Great talents.Sorely missed.

[@richardsolis6274]

Doug s voice & Texas swagger...incredible

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

I’m old enough to remember this live when it came on. As a gentleman from Louisiana we sure appreciated that sound. The accordion was perfect.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

👍🏻

[@tabithaann6238]

These legends live!!! May 2019!!!!!!! Love my roots! Ayyyyye! We were and are a phenomenal that's right!

[@elainephilly]

What a great band! I am so sorry I never saw them live! Didn't even hear of Doug Sahm's death until I had a boss from Texas in the early 2000s :( I wondered where they went because they sold out everywhere. Thank you for posting this!

[@elainephilly]

***** Does Shawn have the same personality as his dad? Doug seemed like such a character. I know some children inherit their parents' genes and some do not. Thank you for the info.

[@elainephilly]

***** Cool! I will check them out! Thanks again. :)

[@ThePorf]

*****

[@dianedurand3680]

Just saw them with Shawn at the Buda Beer and Polka Fest!

[@dianedurand3680]

perfectly stated! He is a twin of his dad! What a gift to have Shawn carry on.

[@eddie054]

Doug was a damn good dancer.

[@takerdust]

Schaffer was real excited to have them there

[@deathsdemon3233]

I fucking love TEXAS TORNADOES!!GOD BLESS FREDDY FENDER!!! MUCH LOVE FROM EL PASO TEXAS

[@mb52Alan]

Thanks, will add this to my favorites. Love all the Tornados. They should be in R&R Hall Of Fame!!!!!!!!!!

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Will anyone ever play or create music like this again. I hope so

[@kingjaekob]

I go out to the small venues around San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, Area in Texas! So Much Talent! I've a Big Fan of Stefani Montiel, Rick Trevino, Willie Nelson, Tejano Group Mazz with Joe Lopez, Ram Herrera, Just a Great Mix of Talent from The Mixed Generations of Germans, Mexican, Americans, French, Spanish Influences! A Very Cool Area in The Hill County in Texas.

[@SteveWebb777]

I got to see the Texas Tornados in a small venue back in the late 80s. What a great show! I've been to a lot of concerts and I've seen some of the biggest names, and these guys' show is one of my favorite memories. Thanks for posting this video!

[@wallychandler8827]

Just found a cd of Freddy Fender, so checking Utube. Wish The Texas Tornados especially Freddy were still here. Wouldn't be Great if Letterman share this video from past with a little Honor for them.

[@billjackson1317]

Paul are you familiar with the phenomenon of a full length mirror? don't know how you do it Dave, damn quick!!🤔

[@euphorik6]

that is a LOT of talent on a single stage. thanks for the great upload!

[@mastercook19]

TEXAS TORNADOES!!!!!EVERYTHING IS BIGGER AND GREATER IN TEXAS!!

[@cookingfun6245]

Wish I could go back in time. Wonderful times. Great legends in this. Unfortunately a few of them have passed

[@CeciliaT44]

I have their last album and, my favorite is "hey baby que paso, I thought I was your only vato".

[@salvadorcastanos5834]

Jijiji... yo tambien tengo ese vinilo LP desde 1989 hasta ahora no he conseguido el primero.. me too have their second LP since 1989 until now i can't found the first vynil LP from the great great TEXAS TORNADOS!!! Kudos rrim Guadalajara, México 29/marzo/2019 ✌😎

[@yohnnyg]

This is just GREAT!!! and Funny....its great to see our San Antonians!!! In NY!

[@kingjaekob]

SO GLAD, These 4 Great Talented Musicians Found Each Other! I could imagine the AWESOME Stories they have to tell! Nothing fake or made up, THE REAL DEAL!

[@1947musiclover]

WOW! Thanks Bunches! I have Sonny and Cher taped somewhere in my old VHS catalog when they were on Dave together, but didn't know till now about this show. Dang! Robin Williams was on, too? Saw the Tornadoes several times and Freddy by himself before they got together. Freddy squeezed my hand on his way out of a show many years ago my ex took me to for my birthday. He even asked to have them sign my program. Now if I just knew where it is.

[@henryroman5997]

I'm a retired truck driver been all over the US and the nicest people are from Texas and Chihuahua Juarez the people in El Paso Texas are so nice even the white people are nice I love it. Thank you very much and have a nice day

[@775Alex]

thank you so much for the upload and the snippet of time. These guys are timeless, priceless

[@richardsolis6274]

Nicely worded/put..

[@danielbautista4757]

Freddy fender may you rest in peace, gracias carnal

[@tanyaespinoza1392]

Best band ever! ❤

[@elcalentano7706]

First time I saw the Texas Tornados was in the santa monica pier in 91 they perfomed in the pier, it was awesome.

[@larrybd100]

Muy bueno - y viva Dave Letterman!

[@TheVatonaught]

I used to play this incessantly when it was first released.,..garage days...

[@williambaxter4628]

Crazy Legs Sahm!!!

[@jchow5966]

I was there in the audience. It was a fun show & the Tx Tornadoes were terrific.

[@beckyfox19]

that bassist is having the time of his life, and he aint even with the band :D:D:D

[@primozpeternel9592]

He is Mexican and he just happens to play the bass, so what the hell :)

[@ronnieearnhardt]

Nice clip....thanks for posting this! All us "Tornados" appreciate seeing all the old clips of Doug, Freddie, and the boys!

[@MrVato53]

Paul is a treasure. The guys were rocking it.

[@uriahcole9281]

I take back any bad thing I ever said about Letterman.

[@richardsolis6274]

Sir Douglas..boogies..great vid

[@lupitah1012]

Esto Es: lo Máximo Del TEXMEX , TtHE TEXAS TORNADO 🎹🧔🏻🎸🎹🎸🎹 03/ 2020 Y siguennn For EVER, For EVER , 🎹🎸🧔🏻🎹🎸👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@rosemarie92123]

We live by lake chapala and go to ajijic frequently, adios tornados

[@vankoughnet2004]

I had no idea john prime was a member of that group! Thank you, john!

[@heidiszabol370]

Beautiful ❤

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Excellent band..............

[@bigbuck848]

I LOVE LOVE THE REAL TEXAS TORNADOS 🌪!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ronniebrown2517]

saw them november of 1990 doing austin city limits show in austin, texas...great vibes....

[@abrei]

I wonder what Freddie said to Dave after they shook hands...

[@ericgordon8794]

Yeah,isn't that something. I mean it took a minute so it must have been something thoughtful or genuine. To be a fly on that shoulder!

[@Chrisperez6316]

These guys tore it up!!! The best!!!

[@serapiogarza3703]

Wow!

[@jaycrane761]

Hey baby Que Paso one of my favorite songs

[@bosco3131]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Priceless

[@ChicagoBeaver]

I think I posted before. Not sure, i'm in a time warp or something. San Benito is where Freddie is from. Para siempre.

[@burpo]

Terrific video. Great edits. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[@skoolhausrawks9439]

Soy de Bishop, Texas. Know relations to both Doug y Flaco, and hold Letterman on my Mt. Rushmore. Can't get much better than this! 🤘

[@kcinks]

Paul was the perfect ambassador for music on the show.

[@briandonaldson8957]

Paul really wanted his 2 minutes on Mendocino. Pissed Letterman cut them off!

[@texasviking1]

Just one of many reasons why I love my home and country. Texas.

[@jchow5966]

Flacco eas the Jimi Hendrix of accordian okayers. Just amazing.

[@babaloo42]

Cool! We played Texas Tornadoes at our wedding.

[@rosemarie92123]

Have been one of my faves since sir douglas, flaco and augie are gone now also i think

[@marywieland5061]

Both Augie & Flaco are very much alive, TY Jesus

[@barbarasteed3966]

Thanks for posting man enjoyed this

[@rosalbahamer994]

Wheres my margarita woooohooo...

[@finnishguy845]

Fantastic song!

[@Sonofspam1972]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@joevierajr3107]

Freddy fender !!!!! The valley !!!!!!! Yeaa

[@labluvver]

I watch this at least 3 times a week. Love it.

[@kayleennepios5283]

Wow i love this guys

[@TheJohnnyBE]

Having too much fun. Wish I could hear what Freddy said to Dave. Thanks, Frank!

[@vivaclaptonluthier1858]

Tornadoes forever. Greetings from Argentina.

[@ericgordon8794]

Man when I was coming up Doug Sahm was tthe definition of cool.

[@vanesasallego8598]

America! This is us.

[@farone100]

who said old white guys can't dance??!! I miis ya Doug and Freddy

[@tommythompsonsurfer]

I MISS ME.....AGE IS THE END.......ENJOY AND BLESS THE UNIVERSE.

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

Damn --- I miss Doug Sahm's voice. And, of course, Freddy's too.

[@rosalbahamer994]

Mexican rock n roll

[@ericgordon8794]

If you don't feel good listening this song something seriously wrong with you

[@stevenmartinez8208]

DAVID LETTERMAN NEVER RECOGNIZED THE TALENT HE HAD PLAYING BFORE HIM..TEXAS TORNADOES WAS #1IN TGERE TIME FOR THERE STYLE OF TEXMEX CONJUNTO..NO 1 DID IT BETTER THAN DA MIESTROS THEMSELVES..THANKS FOR ALL DA WONDERFUL MUSIC T.T..!!

[@barrygioportmorien1]

I never was a fan of David Letterman, and I am still not, I thought he was very dismissive of such a great band. At least Paul Shaffer, seemed to give them their due.

[@mjwmercer]

Letterman is a total moron in many ways...I am sure Shaffer got the band booked somehow, he seemed appropriately starstruck.

[@JBCo2012]

barrygioportmorien1 Letterman was a schmuck is a schmuck or always will be a schmuck. Don't forget he was the one who first gave howeirdfartmansternshit a national platform. SternbegotTrump just saying

[@JBCo2012]

mark joseph So glad good folks like Y'all agree with me about this dick letterman the ass who gave howeirdfartmanstern his first national exposure. If it wasn't for stern and letterman's hosting trump he would never be a tv star and would probably never be president. Imagine a failed weatherman dissing these Texas LEGENDS!

[@rockinredneck57]

Can't "like"this enough!!

[@juanfernandoaguirrereyna3633]

Adios Flaquito

[@ernestodeavila8076]

Puro pinche San Antonio.

[@gomudhen]

Great post! thanks for sharing

[@rmanrod]

Texas Tornados!!! Puro Tejano!

[@ericgordon4064]

Man I'm just a dumb country boy from Southern Ohio but something about them fellas gets me to my soul

[@garypruitt4289]

One of the few times I saw Augie actually smile